Does anyone have any good info how to make your own bows? My love for trad is growing and might want it to be a hobby.
Check out the Bowiers Bench on here .
Get the traditional bowyer's Bible. All 4 volumes. Absolutely worth it.
Or Dean Torges' book, Building the Osage Bow. His methods work on other woods as well, of course. Not only great instruction, but also great philosophy
bowyers bench...in a nut shell: start with a board bow- learn how to tiller properly- before you destroy a good stave- then work up to self bows!
tons of info and people real keen to help on the bench- just dont believe anything that that old fart -"Roy from Pa" has to say!!
:biglaugh:
Poor Roy. I thought he only got harassed on the bench, now it's moved here.
But seriously....... The bowyers bench is full of great knowledgable and helpful guys. You can learn a lot by just creeping on the pages, but don't be afraid to ask questions.
Rattle stick dvd is the best video I've seen
Mike Yancey has a really good video too
Terry
See if there is someone in your area that makes self bows. There is a group of us that get together on Thursday nights that make self bows and for me it was much easier to have a hands on instruction and help with making the bows.
I also have all four volumes of the Traditional Bowyers Bibles which are great reference manuals.
I believe George Tsoukalas lives in New Hampshire. George has a website that has everything you will need to build a selfbow. You may find George on the Bowyers Bench.
I am in the same position. With retirement coming up fast I will have the time to actually work on a selfbow or 2.
Bowyers Bibles 1 and 2 are really all you need to be dangerous for years. They cover several methods, not just one guys preferred method. Id suggest not to bottle yourself into one persons style. Rather, learn the general build methods and tweak them to your tastes over time.